Smoking Ban, T + 1 Week

Some observations...

The Question of Re-Entry
The Tribune had a piece last week about an angle I didn't consider. Music venues such as the Double Door and Schubas face a challenge. If you have customers that have paid the cover to see a show and want to go outside for a smoke, do those customers get back in? Will they have to pay again? Seems dubious. If there is a line will they have to go to the back of the line? Less dubious.

The World Is Not Your Ashtray
The morning of January 2nd, some neighbors of my local watering hole, Sedgwick's, came in to complain about the excessive number of cigarette butts on their sidewalk. It's not just Sedgwick's but a lot of bars don't seem to have planned for this.

Odorless Clothes And Hair
Saturday morning I got up to get a drink and use the bathroom. I just grabbed the T-Shirt off the top of my laundry basket for the occassion. I pulled it on and realized I didn't gag from stale smoke. I smiled. I was talking to a lady this weekend and she made the comment about not having to consider washing her hair when she get's home at night.

You Have Curly Fries?
I saw a couple softball teammates this weekend. (We were throwing the ball around in the 50 degree weather). He said after work on Friday he went to Dillans with some coworkers and they were able to smell the food cooking.

Time To Change The Dish Water
In addition to the food aromas, other bar smells are suddenly noticeable. One can smell the cleaning fluids and disinfectants used to was glasses. And in some bars, I'm sure, the stench of stale, spilled beer will be more prevelant. The smoking ban might actually force some bars to do a better job of cleaning.